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The power miter saw is a useful tool that allows woodworkers to make quick, accurate miter cuts at consistent angles. A miter saw blade is mounted to make vertical cuts across a board at a right angle or pivot sideways for miter cuts. These saws are available in different sizes and designs to accommodate a range of lumber sizes.

Miter Saw

A saw with a 10-inch blade makes right-angle cuts across a board 5 1/2 inches wide, sufficient for two-by-six lumber. The same 10-inch saw will cut a two-by-four at a 45-degree angle. Manufacturers also make 12-inch versions, which have a maximum cut of about 7 1/2 inches, wide enough for two-by-eights. This larger saw can cut a maximum thickness of 3 1/2 inches, enough to cut through four-by-fours.

Compound Miter Saw

The motor housing and blade of a compound miter tilt in place as well as swivel. A cut made with a tilted blade is a bevel. Cuts that both miter and bevel boards are called compound miters. Compound miter saws have much the same capacity as fixed miter saws.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The motor and blade of a sliding compound miter saw are mounted on tracks so you can pull the blade across the board. This allows you to cut wider boards than does a fixed blade, although the thickness a saw can cut does not change. The maximum cutting width depends on the design and length of the track.

About the Author

Kelvin O'Donahue has been writing since 1979, with work published in the "Arizona Geological Society Digest" and "Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists," as well as online. O'Donahue holds a Master of Science in geology from the University of Arizona, and has worked in the oil industry since 1982.